Work

Discordant Vitamin B12 Results in an IgA Nephropathy Patient

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Discordant Vitamin B12 results can result from immunoassay interferences, potentially leading to unnecessary diagnostic procedures and misdiagnoses if not properly recognized. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old male with a history of IgA nephropathy, hypertension, and other comorbidities presented with unexpectedly elevated total Vitamin B12 levels despite no supplement use and normal hematological and biochemical parameters. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation demonstrated markedly reduced recovery, indicating the presence of macro-VitB12. Pretreatment with blocking reagents and exclusion of heterophilic antibodies confirmed the interference. The discrepancy observed between analytical platforms further supported this finding. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation is a cost-effective and accessible method for detecting macro-VitB12, particularly in cases where analytical results are inconsistent with the clinical presentation.

Source: Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis

DOI: 10.1002/jcla.70143

Authors: Oytun Portakal, Nazende Işlak, Muhammed Ş. Binici, Yahya Büyükaşik

Institution: Hacettepe University

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Laboratory Practices and Quality Control

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,120